This Homemade Chocolate Pudding recipe is silky smooth, rich and creamy, and so simple to make. Just one bite of this will have you kissing the packaged pudding cups goodbye forever.
Our classic Chocolate Pudding recipe with cocoa powder is a simple pudding thickened with egg yolks and cornstarch. It's the perfect dessert for so many occasions because it can be served out of plastic cups for kids or dressed up with crumbles, sauces, whipped cream, and berries for baby showers or dessert buffets.
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Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe
This homemade Chocolate Pudding is the perfect simple dessert to make any time you need a chocolate fix. There’s just something about a thick, creamy, chocolatey pudding that tastes like nostalgia in a cup and makes everyone happy. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to whip up and could not be easier.
If you want to add toppings, this pudding truly doesn’t need much. A dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed Oreos or a little ripe fruit is plenty. But by all means, feel free to go nuts and add all your favorite toppings and mix-ins if you want. One thing is for sure - you will never again be tempted by those store-bought pudding cups after giving this homemade version a try.
Chocolate Pudding Ingredients
- Milk - whole milk, rather than 2%, works best for pudding. You could also substitute half and half - the higher fat content will make the pudding even richer.
- Sugar - regular granulated sugar is best for this recipe.
- Cornstarch - this helps to thicken the pudding.
- Cocoa Powder - for the best chocolate flavor, use a high quality brand of cocoa powder such as Ghirardelli.
- Vanilla Extract - pure vanilla extract tastes best. You could also use other types to create other flavors, such as banana extract, coffee extract, almond extract and more.
- Egg Yolks - these thicken the pudding while also adding richness.
- Butter - use unsalted butter for this recipe.
How to Make Chocolate Pudding
- Boil the milk mixture. In a saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, salt, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking frequently. Once it reaches a boil, whisk and cook for 1 minute, or until the mixture thickens.
- Temper in the eggs. In a separate large mixing bowl, add the egg yolks and whisk. With one hand, stream about ⅓ of the hot pudding mixture into the bowl while whisking constantly with the other hand. Slowly add the tempered egg mixture into the saucepan while whisking. Whisk the entire pudding mixture over medium heat until it comes to a boil.
- Cool. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla, stirring until the butter is melted. Transfer the hot pudding to a large bowl or baking dish and cover the surface of the pudding with plastic wrap. Place in the fridge until completely cooled.
- Serve. Serve with whipped cream, fresh berries, chocolate sauce or any of your favorite dessert toppings. Enjoy!
Chocolate Pudding Dessert Recipe Variations
There are so many delicious ways to make and eat homemade chocolate pudding. Just like with Vanilla Pudding, our Chocolate Pudding tastes great with a little whipped cream and berries. But, for those times when you feel like switching things up, here are a few ideas:
- Drizzle in chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or any other dessert sauce.
- Swirl in your favorite jams, syrups or fruit based sauces.
- Add a few teaspoons of espresso powder to the cocoa powder to make a mocha chocolate pudding.
- Instead of vanilla extract, try using banana extract, coffee extract, almond extract or mint extract.
- Freeze the Chocolate Pudding in popsicle molds for homemade fudge pops!
- Add your favorite crispy, crunchy mix-ins including chopped nuts, M&Ms, crumbles, crushed Oreos (or other cookies), chopped candy bars and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
As long as you store your pudding in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last for up to 3 days. If your pudding looks a little watery on top, never fear! Just transfer the entire thing to a large bowl, give it a few good whisks and it should be good as new.
If you find yourself with runny pudding, it’s most likely because you didn’t cook the mixture long enough. Make sure you cook for a full minute at a boil prior to adding the egg yolks. Then, once the egg yolks have been tempered in, make sure the mixture comes to a boil once again so that the eggs have fully cooked.
Frozen Chocolate Pudding is actually super delicious, and I highly recommend freezing it in popsicle molds for some homemade fudgesicles.
Freezing and then thawing pudding, on the other hand, is not ideal but it can be done! Store in freezer bags or another airtight container for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply transfer to the fridge overnight.
Storing Homemade Pudding
- Refrigerator: store your Chocolate Pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: store in freezer bags or another airtight container for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer to the fridge overnight.
Homemade Chocolate Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients for Pudding
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 cup Sugar
- 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- ¼ cup Cocoa Powder
- ⅛ teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 4 large Egg Yolks
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, salt, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking frequently. Once it reaches a boil, whisk and cook for 1 minute, or until the mixture thickens.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, add the egg yolks and whisk. With one hand, stream about ? of the hot pudding mixture into the bowl while whisking constantly with the other hand.
- Slowly add the tempered egg mixture into the saucepan while whisking. Whisk the entire pudding mixture over medium heat until it comes to a boil.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla, stirring until the butter is melted. Transfer the hot pudding to a large bowl or baking dish, or portion into individual cups, then cover the surface of the pudding with plastic wrap. Place in the fridge until completely cooled.
Nutrition
More Of Our Favorite Chocolate Desserts
- Chocolate Cream Pie
- Chocolate Oreo Parfaits
- Double Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Best Hot Fudge Sauce
- Chocolate Fondue
- No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Dip
- DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Cream Puffs
- Chocolate Brownie Waffle Cookies
- More No-Bake Desserts
- More Dessert Favorites
This homemade Chocolate Pudding recipe is the perfect simple dessert to make anytime you need a little chocolate fix. It's thick and creamy, silky smooth and takes just a few minutes to whip up.
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